LWM - CH20 - Assessing Your Own Work

Assessing Your Own Work

  • Importance of Self-Assessment

    • Essential step in the writing process to ensure quality before submitting.

    • Involves developing critical skills to improve clarity and effectiveness.

  • Revision vs. Editing

    • Revision: Examining the writing as a whole for substance and organization.

    • Focus: Content, structure, arguments, and overall clarity.

    • Editing: Correcting grammar, punctuation, and stylistic elements.

    • Focus: Sentence-level issues and surface-level corrections.

  • Preparation Before Assessment

    • Take a break from the document (recommended: 24 hours).

    • Benefit: Cleanses mind, allowing for a more objective re-read.

    • Engage in other activities to replace immediate writing memories.

  • Assessment Sessions Planning

    • Conduct assessments in several shorter sessions rather than one long session to maintain focus.

    • Set clear goals for each read-through session.

Conducting Read-Throughs

  • Read-Through Methods

    • Choose how to conduct each read-through:

    • Print hard copy for marking up: Allows for easy annotation and visual flow check.

    • Read on screen or use a screen-reader: Helpful for auditory feedback.

  • Revision Steps

    1. Examine Organization

    • Identify the main point and roadmap of the document.

    • Break down the analysis/argument structure (using CREAC blocks).

    1. Analyze Document

    • Look for missing elements, things to add/remove, and areas needing rearrangement.

    • Ensure analysis aligns with the main point.

    1. Review Content

    • Validate key legal rules and sources used within the argument.

    • Assess application of sources and proper identification of authorities.

    1. Topic Sentences and Outline

    • Check that topic sentences align with the overall argument and support the main thesis.

Editing Steps

  • Editing Process

    1. Address Marked Sections

    • Remove unnecessary content and integrate transitions for better flow.

    • Clarify topic sentences to ensure they guide the reader effectively.

    1. Formatting Checks

    • Ensure proper document formatting per assignment guidelines (font, margins, headers).

    1. Citation Accuracy

    • Verify all citations for proper format and inclusion of pincites.

    1. Grammar and Punctuation Review

    • Conduct focused read-throughs for grammatical and punctuation errors.

    1. Final Checks

    • Read for typos, utilizing tools like screen readers for precision.

    • Read out loud or backwards to catch errors unnoticed in normal reading.

Post-Submission Self-Assessment

  • Importance of reflecting on work after submission

    • Analyze feedback received and determine areas of improvement.

    • Compare past work with outcomes to identify strengths and weaknesses in persuasive writing.

  • Developing Self-Assessment Skills

    • Critical for growth as a writer; future legal work will rely on self-initiative for improvement.

Additional Resources

  • Books for Grammar and Style

    • Jeff Anderson, Mechanically Inclined (2005).

    • Deborah Cupples & Margaret Temple-Smith, Grammar, Punctuation & Style (2013).

    • Bryan A. Garner, The Winning Brief (3d. ed. 2014).

    • Bryan A. Garner, Legal Writing in Plain English (2d. ed. 2013).

    • Bryan A. Garner, The Redbook (3d. ed. 2013).

    • Ross Guberman, Point Made (2d. ed. 2014).

    • Sandra J. Oster, Writing Shorter Legal Documents (2011).

    • Joseph M. Williams, Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace (7th ed. 2003).

    • Richard C. Wydick, Plain English for Lawyers (5th ed. 2005).

These notes summarize critical steps and methodologies for conducting effective self-assessment, focusing on both revision and editing. Following these guidelines can significantly enhance the quality of written work, especially in legal contexts.